[CoasterChris]

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Family Kingdom Amusement Park has launched its new Web site at http://www.family-kingdom.com. More colorful and user-friendly, the site has been updated with current information for the 2008 season. Visitors can view the park calendar, group sales information and receive exclusive reward coupons for signing up at the site.

Located on Ocean Boulevard in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom is the Grand Strand’s only seaside amusement park. It offers a complete amusement park experience with over 30 rides and attractions, in addition to midway games, family entertainment and traditional park temptations such as funnel cakes, cotton candy and corndogs. Opened in 1966, it is home to the legendary Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster and the largest Ferris wheel in the state of South Carolina.

“Our new Web site makes it easy for vacationers and group leaders to experience what Family Kingdom has to offer,” said Leigh Meese, president of Family Kingdom Amusement Park. “ The site is fun and exciting visually, reflecting the spirit of the parks and, at the same time, presents useful information, including an updated park calendar and group sales information. Photography of each of the attractions shows just how much there is to do at the amusement park and really highlights the water park’s unmatched oceanfront location.”

The Family Kingdom Water Park, located just across Ocean Boulevard from the amusement park, features three serpentine water flumes each with a drop of greater than a 100 feet, two speed slides and two intermediate slides, all with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. A Lazy River measuring more than 400 feet meanders around splash pools and beside a waterfall. Splash pools feature two rain trees, a multi-tiered waterfall and eight kiddie slides.

More information about Family Kingdom, is available online at http://www.family-kingdom.com or by calling 843-626-3447.

[LocoDriver]

Took the family to FK last night. Of course the only thing I was interested in was the Swamp Fox. As usual, it ran great. Only one train operation (red train). The blue train was sitting on the side track. I noticed it had an older style seat to it. The red train has the high back seats with head rest while the blue one doesn't.

My question is, does anyone know how long the red train has had the updated seat? It seemed to run great, with quite a bit of air time.

[Jonathan]

This year is the first year that it has had those seat backs. I haven't been down there this year, but hearing that was VERY frustrating for me. It may seem picky, but to me there is a drastic difference in the experience of a wooden coaster with seatbacks and without. And to make things worse, I imagine the lack of cushioning results in some painful moments. Disappointing...